1972 Volkswagen Thing Safari in Tillamook, OR

Check out this 1972 Volkswagen Thing Safari, available in Tillamook, Oregon! An hour and a half drive west of Salem.

As of the time of this post, it is still available – you can find current pricing and contact the seller at the ad in our marketplace. If you want to skip our write-up, a direct link to that is at the bottom of this page just below the pictures.

This is a verified Featured Listing in our Marketplace.

Summary

This 1972 Volkswagen Safari is a Mexican domestic-market model in great shape with no rust or obvious crash damage, having spent most of its life garaged in Texas. It runs a 1500cc engine with a new EMPI carburetor and Pertronix electronic ignition, plus under-engine protection and a tow hitch. Features include new General A/T tires, five original 15” wheels, upgraded lug studs, adjusted brakes, new shocks, a new top with all four side curtains, good upholstery, and a working AM/FM/cassette stereo. The original 1600cc Mexican-market engine is included but does not run. It tops out around 50 MPH due to reduction gears and has a clean Oregon title.

Key Info:

• Location: Tillamook, OR
• Year: 1972
• Mileage: 29,037
• Condition: Great
• Engine (cc): 1,500
• Engine Details: 1500cc single port
• Transmission: 4-Speed Manual
• Transmission Details: Bus transmission with reduction gears

Startup Clip + Highlights

Seller Write-up

1972 VW Safari – Mexican domestic market spec. No provision for heat whatsoever – no gas heat, no engine heat. Great shape with no rust or obvious crash damage. Car lived most of its life in Texas and was garaged.

The original low-compression 1600 for the Mexican market is included, but didn’t want to run. In its place is a decent 1500cc engine with a new EMPI carburetor and new Pertronix electronic ignition distributor and coil. The under-engine protection is installed, and a tow hitch is included.

Engine & Mechanical

• Original low-compression 1600 for the Mexican market included
• Decent 1500cc engine
• New EMPI carburetor
• New Pertronix electronic ignition distributor and coil
• Under-engine protection installed
• Tow hitch included
• Brakes have all been adjusted
• New air shocks installed on the rear
• Spring-assist shocks in the front
• Steering is reasonably tight
• Brakes are in good shape
• Reduction gears
• Speed tops out at about 50 MPH, but it pulls strongly to that point

Wheels & Tires

• Five stock original 15-inch wheels included
• Brand new General A/T tires on the car
• Basic touring tire (also new) on the spare rim
• Lug stud upgrade installed all around

Exterior & Interior

• Great shape with no rust or obvious crash damage
• New top, just installed
• All four side curtains included
• Storage bags in the trunk
• Upholstery is in good shape
• AM/FM/Cassette deck that works
• Speakers appropriate to the vehicle in the footwells

Obviously the paint is idiosyncratic. I came to really like it, and what the hell, you’re going to stand out in this car anyway.

There are two holes in the front fenders, where a previous owner remounted the turn signals for some reason.

This Safari fires right up and runs well. Together the shocks give a like-new ride height, but they could be stiffened for serious off-road use.

Clean Oregon title in my name. Car is in Tillamook, Oregon.

 

Photo Gallery

Select an image for a larger view

CLICK HERE to view this 1972 Safari Thing in our Marketplace

**Please note this VW Thing was originally listed for sale in September of 2026. Depending on when you are viewing this article it may have since been sold.**

Last Updated on September 17, 2026 by vwthing